General Cautions and Limitations for Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

These limitations are by no means all inclusive. The respirator manufacturer may also identify further cautions and limitations for their respirators. In addition, regulatory agencies may also place a limit on the use of respirators in their standards.

• General Limitations for respirators approved under 30 CFR Part 11 & 42 CFR Part 84
• General Limitations for respirators evaluated and approved under 30 CFR Part 18
• Additional limitations under 42 CFR Part 84

General Limitations for respirators approved under 30 CFR Part 11 & 42 CFR Part 84

• Not evaluated as an ignition source in flammable or explosive atmospheres by MSHA/NIOSH.
• Not for use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
• Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health.
• Tight-fitting facepiece: Do not use if airflow is less than four cubic feet per minute.
• Loose-fitting facepiece: Do not use if airflow is less than six cubic feet per minute.
• In making renewals and repairs, parts identical with those furnished by the manufacturer under the pertinent approval shall be maintained.
• Refer to approval label and instruction and maintenance manuals for additional information on use and maintenance of the respirators.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for changing filters, cartridges, and/or canisters.
• This respirator shall be selected, fitted, used and maintained in accordance with Mine Safety and Health Administration and other applicable regulations.

General Limitations for respirators approved under 30 CFR Part 18

• Not evaluated as an ignition source in flammable or explosive atmospheres by MSHA/NIOSH, except evaluated under Part 18 for use in methane air atmosphere.

Additional limitations under 42 CFR Part 84

• Do not use powered air-purifying respirators if airflow is less than four cfm (115 lpm) for tight-fitting facepieces or six cfm (170 lpm) for hoods and/or helmets.
• Contains electrical parts which have not been evaluated as an ignition source in flammable or explosive atmospheres by MSHA/NIOSH.